The nurse is caring for a patient in the ICU with a nasotracheal tube. Because of the tube placement, the nurse understands that the patient is at risk for developing which of the following?

The nurse is caring for a patient in the ICU with a nasotracheal tube. Because of the tube placement, the nurse understands that the patient is at risk for developing which of the following?


a) Orbital cellulitis
b) Severe epistaxis
c) Sinus infection
d) Subperiosteal abscess


Answer: c) Sinus infection
Explanation:
Patients with nasotracheal and nasogastric tubes in place are at risk for development of sinus infections. Thus, accurate assessment of patients with these tubes is critical. Removal of the nasotracheal or nasogastric tube as soon as the patient's condition permits allows the sinuses to drain, possibly avoiding septic complications. Severe epistaxis is not a complication of nasotracheal placement. Subperiosteal abscess and orbital cellulitis are complications of chronic rhinosinusitis. pg.544


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